United Way had a successful turnout of almost 100 volunteers who participated in its Day of Caring in Montcalm and Ionia counties.

United Way had a successful turnout of almost 100 volunteers who participated in its Day of Caring in Montcalm and Ionia counties.

Volunteers were able to offer a helping hand in a number of projects Friday in both counties.
“Although I don’t have all of the sign-in sheets turned in yet, it looks like we had 98 volunteers between Montcalm and Ionia counties,” said United Way of Montcalm-Ionia Counties Program Director Darcy Brown.

Projects took place at the new Montcalm County 4-H Fairgrounds, Camp Wah-Wah-Tay-See, Anna Behrens Girl Scout Camp, Ionia County Intermediate School District, Ionia Public Schools and The Branch Adventures.
“(The volunteers) made a big impact and had worked through most of what was wanted done,” Brown said.
The Boy Scouts, she said, did some cleanup around the Fred Meijer Flat River Trail and did so much more on the trail than planned because of their dedication to the project.
Brown said the Day of Caring is a way for people to choose a cause and give that cause time.
It also is a way for people to see what United Way contributes, she said, and to help connect people to the causes they might not have known about before.
“It means a lot to me because it’s making a huge impact,” Brown said.
Bob Hemmingsen, co-director at Camp Wah-Wah-Tay-See, said projects like the United Way’s Day of Caring are a way to show the community cares.
“It is one more way to show appreciation for the camp,” Hemmingsen said.
A lot of beautification projects took place at Camp Wah-Wah-Tay-Friday’s projects included painting, cleaning out buildings, yard work and more.
Hemmingsen said the Optimist Club takes time to do simpler projects at the camp as well.
“They appreciate the Day of Caring (volunteers) because it helps them,” Hemmingsen said.
An exact date has not been set for the 2012 United Way Day of Caring, but Brown said it will be in June or July.
“(It will) hopefully make it more convenient for more people to participate,” Brown said.

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